The Insta Challenge: Photo a Day.

December 1st, my sister-in-law Sara talked me into doing The Instagram's "Photo a Day" challenge.  For those who do not know, The Instagram is a social media avenue for friends, family, and strangers to share photos of all the happenings in their life.  The challenge goes as such: every day there is a given theme and the participant is supposed to take a photo corresponding with the word or phrase that is given.

I have always been slightly weary of doing one of these things, not because I don't like it, but I just don't have to patience for these kinds of activities.  But I thought, hey why not?  It is Christmas time and I should have things to take photos of, or so I thought.

Here is the list of all the days and the corresponding photos I was required to take:

1. Red                                        11. Green                                 21. On the Door
2. Where I Stood                       12. Joy Is...                              22. Sparkly
3. Silver                                     13. Composition                       23. Tradition
4. Tiny                                       14. Drink                                 24. Wrapped
5. In the Cupboard                     15. Lights                                25. Best Bit of Your Day
6. Shadow                                  16. Makes You Feel Merry      26. Where You Slept
7. 6 O'Clock                               17. Tree                                   27. What You're Doing Now
8. I Shop Here                           18. Big                                     28. Something Awesome
9. This is the Weather Now       19. 'Tis The Season To..          29. Reflect Best Bit of 2013
10. R is For...                             20. I'm Listening To..              30. You
                                                                                                   31. Celebrate

So, I decided that I was going to try this.  I was going to take a list and be as creative as possible with my photos so I can share with the rest of the world.  I felt like I was beginning this awesome challenge and I needed to dominate.

But I have a couple of confessions to make: 
1)  I didn't do all 31 days during the challenge.  The 6th day, I had my wisdom teeth taken out so I did not participate on "shadow".  But after an event like that, I don't think anyone can really be creative with taking a picture of a shadow.  I mean seriously.  I also didn't do "where I slept" because who wants to see a photo of someone's bed?  Man, I am such a rebel.
2)  I couldn't keep track of the days.  I did not post "Day 27", but posted two "Day 28s" instead.  Each word/phrase for the day was numbered.  How I lost track of the day is beyond me.
3)  I thought some of my posts were more clever than they actually were.  I really do crack myself up.

Towards the end of the month, I began to lose my "oomf" for this photo challenge.  I have always had a love for photography, but this was a whole different ball game.  This was work.  This was commitment.  A crap ton of it too.

I began to realize I didn't want to have to "search" for the best photo to post on The Instagram.  I didn't want to be put in a small little box.  I didn't like that I felt like I couldn't post things that I wanted to post.

Then it hit me.  Hit me hard I tell you.  In the midst of this challenge I began to recognize God in everything.  I began to see that His hand is everywhere, even in the smallest of things.  Why is it that I didn't see it before?  Is it because this little electrical box is always glued to the palm of my hand?  Is it because I just want to take a photo so I am able to receive insta-affirmation that what I like/do, people like too?  Am I too consumed with other things that I can't look up to see around me?

We all get so wrapped up in social media and our lives that we forget to recognize the little things that God loves and does.  We need to learn to appreciate the little things and cherish them.  And maybe leave it at that.  I don't think we need to be Instagramming this and Facebooking that.  Yes, it is fun to share life's moments with others, but sometimes the best memories are those you can keep close with you.  Cherish the "awwww" moments.  Simply hug on others.  Take in the beauty of this world and give thanks.  

Here are a couple of photos of December's photo a day challenge.  If you like these pictures, please feel free to check out the rest of my photos on The Instagram (@angelamardock).  I think they're fun.

 

 

I'll Be Home For Christmas.

This is the first time that I have not gone home during the semester.  I have been gone since September 1st, and although I am loving it here in Europe, I am quite excited to go home for the holidays.  There is nothing like seeing stockings with your name on it hanging on the fireplace.  It just warms the heart when you walk into the house after a long day and see the tree lit up in beautiful Christmas lights in your family room.  I love the moments where you and someone you care about share a nice warm cup of hot cocoa and if you're daring enough, you put a candy cane inside to use as a stirrer.

Christmas is my favorite time of year and I can't wait to share it with those I love.  I hope that during this time of year, you take the time to appreciate not only those around you, but the season itself.  We get so wrapped up in the gift buying, the party going, and making plans that the beautiful season seems to fly by us in a blink of an eye.  Let us remember the reason for this season and truly celebrate it.  Put the cell phone and computer down and celebrate this season properly.  Please.  :)

Shout out to my good friend Josh Groban.

Love Always,
Ang

Flowers in Your Hair.

Bom Dia!

That is basically, "Hey!  What's goin' on everyone?!" in Portuguese.  This past weekend we spent some time in Lisbon Portugal, which was honestly one of the places I was most excited to visit.

Oh my word, I loved it!  It is an absolutely gorgeous town and different than anywhere we have seen.  It was also an added bonus that it was on the ocean.  I just have a thing for waterfront towns.  Maybe I just need to live at the beach.  Yeah, I think that is what that means.

I don't think I will go into many details about this weekend, but I will share some photos with ya.  :)

Love Always,
Angela

Monastery of the Jeronimos

The Monastery has Vasco de Gama buried here as well
as other famous Portuguese (i.e. kings, queens, etc...).

Tower of Belem

Raising the bar.

Pasteis de Belem

Santa Justa elevator.  Designed by the same
architect who did the
Eiffel Tower and the Triana Bridge.

An amazing cafe.

Winter is Coming.

Hello Lovely People,

As I sit here in my room, I feel a cold chill every now-and-then and then it hits me.  It is winter.  Winter is here.  And that means a couple of things.  One, it is Christmas time, which I love oh so very much.  But seriously.  I really, really love Christmas.  Two, it means finals are just around the corner.  Bleh.  Three, I get to wear my favorite clothes.  If you didn't know this about me, I love winter clothes.  Simple.  And last, it means my stay here in Spain is almost up.  I have two weeks left here in beautiful Sevilla and it has gone by way too fast.  So, before I continue with this post, please listen to this song about winter.  Cheesy?  Probably.  Awesome song?  Definitely.  Not only is Matt Corby an amazing musician, but this song is incredible.  My mom is going to say it is a boring song(s), but I'll live.

Enjoy.

"Winter/My False" by Matt Corby

So, this past weekend, some of us went to the Maritime Museum as well as the Titanic Exhibition that is here in Sevilla.  Both were absolutely mind blowing.  I loved them.

The Maritime Museum was so cool because it is a children's museum, so everything was so interactive and visually appealing as well as educational.  We were able to hear a lot of different stories of people who traveled across the ocean in basically a pirate ship.  As we all know, I do love pirate ships.

We were able to go onto the lookout of the city.  Again, I am still in awe of this place.  I love it here.  Honestly, how could you not?

After that, we all went to the Titanic Exhibit which is a traveling exhibit and it just so happens that it is in Sevilla until spring next year.  It was an amazing thing to go through and experience.  I will never be able to read about the Titanic or watch the movie and think the same as before.  I have gained such a new perspective and understanding about the entire event and I can't put to words how great it was. 

So, a part from going to school, exploring a European city, and going to awesome museums, it is also Christmas time, which means the shops have Christmas stuff out.  Naturally.  I thought that I would share with you some stuff that Leah and I discovered while enjoying the shops.

Bear made of pine cones.

Penguin made of wood chips.

Leah and Christmas fairy ornaments.

Me with a fairy ornament.

Poinsettias in the city center.

There is also this plunger that I couldn't get over.  I couldn't help not sharing it.  It is just way too good to keep to myself.

So, all in all, it has been a great and busy week.  We leave for Portugal in the morning and I honestly must say that this is one of the trips I have been looking forward to the most.  Wish us luck!

Hope everyone is well!  I sure can't wait to see you all!

Love Always,
Ang

P.S.  Here is a quote that I really love right now.  Thought I'd share it with you.

"Joy is a state of mind that must be purposely cultivated if you are to live and love and influence others as God intended."

Green Pants Envy.

Hello,

So, I haven't done one of these yet, so I am going to give you some general thoughts that I have been having the past couple of days.  Please, enjoy.

1)  I have green pants envy.

You're probably wondering what this really means.  I shall tell you.  It means exactly what it says.  I love green pants, and apparently so does everyone in Spain.  My friend Leah coined this term and it basically means the more I see green pants the closer I am to buying a pair.  I don't know what it is.  I just love them so much, and Spain is so stylish that it just adds that much more of a "cute factor".  Sheesh.


2) I have such a cool host mom.

My host mom's name is Puri.  She is really cool.  Even though I may not be able to have a full on conversation with her, we still understand each other pretty well.  One night when she was teaching me how to cook a Spanish tortilla, she pulled out the big coke bottle and it had a little bit left.  She asks if I want some.  Of course I say yes.  She says we should just finish it and keep it a secret from everyone else.  BAM.  Best friends.  She also made me some really cute (green) earrings.  Yeah, she's cool.

3) I don't like the rain.

I already knew this about myself, but the fact that it has been raining almost nonstop the past three weeks confirms my dislike for that form of the weather that much more.  Yes, I know that it is necessary and what not.  But still.  Rain for weeks?  Come on.

4) I miss my guitar.

I didn't realize how much I missed my guitar until I heard a song the other day and wanted to learn it on the guitar and play it.  I mean, I play my guitar everyday when I am home.  Note to self: bring some form of instrument on next international adventure.

5) I am so happy I came to Spain.

I can't tell you how many times I have to pinch myself to remind myself that this is reality.  I knew I was supposed to come here and I am so glad that I did.  It has been a once in a lifetime opportunity, and I would advise anyone who is considering study abroad to just do it.  It has been amazing.  And I'm not just saying that.

6) I feel so refreshed.

Coming here you really get to push the reset button and really just start over.  I know that I will have to return home and go back to the "real world", but I know that this refreshing feeling will also come back with me.  I am ready to conquer the next step in my life.

7) We serve an amazing God.

I can't tell you how many things have gone wrong whether it was with me or someone else I know.  It can be anything from crazy big blisters to being allergic to mosquito bites and having to go to the hospital.  In every situation, the Lord still provides and takes care of what is going on, whether we recognize it or saw it coming.  He truly does care about what we're going through and isn't going to leave us hanging.  I love that.  Man, what a cool Guy.  With that said, it is a two way street.  Just sayin'.

8) I am so excited for Christmas.

Yes, I am one of those people who listen to Christmas music way before Thanksgiving and I don't care who knows it.  To each their own.  I do what I want, yo.  But seriously, Christmas lights are beginning to go up around the city and the nativity scene stores are comin' out.  I am so extremely pumped.  Can you tell me you're not excited for hot cocoa, monkey bread, Christmas music, candy canes, family, and parties?  Seriously.  Also, all of you who can buy gingerbread oreos, go buy them right now and eat them in my honor.  Please.  Then write me a message telling me how great they are.  I'm being serious.

9) The Civil Wars broke up.

I still can't get over it.  I'm sorry.  I am sad.  Therefore, I need to vent.

10) I have the best family.

I mean, I know that everyone says that.  But I'm sorry to tell you that you are wrong.  I'm sorry.  But seriously, my family is the coolest.


Until next time I come up with something, hasta luego.

Love Always,
Angela